On Oct. 30, in the most glaring example of just how quickly the trust he tried to build between Israeli and Palestinian security agencies has eroded, the Israelis launched a missile attack on the headquarters of the personal security forces of the Palestinian leader, Yasir Arafat.
Americans have always accepted the necessary evil of secrecy to protect citizens, but a disturbing trend in politically motivated security scandals has eroded the trust that justifies secrecy in the democracy.
A quick tally showed that despite the Bush administration's stewardship of a national security portfolio that has eroded dramatically -- Burns has helped achieve far closer relationship with European allies than was the case three years ago.
Growing earnings inequality has eroded Social Security's tax base and is one the main causes of the projected Social Security shortfall, accounting for roughly half the gap that has emerged since the system was last restored to long-term balance.
The humanitarian and security situation in northern Mali has eroded under Al Qaeda and the other extremist groups controlling the region, the United Nations Security Council said Friday as it expressed its "grave concern".
Mr Maliki has brought the security and intelligence services under his control, has eroded the power of parliament and replaced military commanders with people loyal to him.
"Consumer attitudes about reverse mortgages are changing because the recession has eroded confidence about retirement security, and Americans will rely more and more on these measures," said Sandra Timmermann, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute.
In Tunisia, the assassination in July of Mohamed Brahmi, an opposition leader, sent thousands into the streets, shaking the government and Ennahda's grip on power as its popular support has eroded amid a declining economy and worsening security.
Mr. Obama's record has eroded the political perception that Democrats are weak on national security.
